Open Hives in April 2023

• What’s an open hive?
• Open hive host list
  • Saturday April 1 @ 1:00 PM, North Berkeley
  • Saturday April 8, afternoon, Fremont
  • Saturday April 8 @ 10:30 AM
  • Date and time TBD, San Leandro
  • Saturday April 15 @ 1:00 PM, Berkeley
  • Sunday April 16 @ 10:30, Livermore
  • Date and time TBD, Redwood Heights in Oakland
  • Date and time TBD, South Fremont / Warm Springs
• Want to host?

What’s an open hive?

In April, some generous club members will share their own hive inspection with new and prospective beekeepers. If you’re about to get your first bees, or if you’re still nervous about handling the bees you got and want to see how others do it, this is what you’ve been waiting for.

What an open hive is:

• A free opportunity for newbies to see a hive inspection and handle bees with a more experienced ACBA member

What it’s not (and how to get the other thing):

• A beekeeping class (Biofuel Oasis offers these)
• A way to find a mentor (contact Jerry at mentor@alamedabees.org and he can help you find one)
• A way to find an ongoing bee buddy (check out the Bee Buddy page to find someone to share your beekeeping journey)

To participate as a newbie: 

1. Join the ACBA if you haven’t already 
2. Look at the list of hosts below, then email or text the host to find the exact location and see if there is space available 
3. Bring a beekeeping suit and gloves if you have them (if you don’t, ask the host if they will have one you can borrow when you sign up)
4. Expect it to take around 60-90 minutes 
5. Don’t bring unnecessary people; this is for seriously interested new beekeepers only to keep space available

Also, everyone involved should be fully vaccinated for Covid, and ideally test on the day. Don’t attend if you have Covid symptoms, of course.

Open hive host list

Here’s the list of hosts. Again, email or text the individual host to connect and get more info.

Want to host?

To participate as a host, pick a weekend day and time in April, then email webmaster@alamedabees.org to add or remove your listing above. Mention your general area, date and time, how many people can come, and how people should contact you.